How to monitor CPU usage with Performance Monitor in Windows

CPU usage is a key metric for detecting performance bottlenecks and maintaining stable operations on Windows. Tools like Task Manager and Resource Monitor offer quick snapshots of activity, but they often lack the depth required for thorough analysis. For advanced monitoring, Performance Monitor (PerfMon) enables detailed logging and granular visibility into how individual processes, threads, or CPU cores behave under different loads.

PerfMon collects data over specified intervals, storing it in logs for later review. This helps administrators and power users identify trends, correlate issues, and pinpoint specific performance constraints. By enabling precise configuration and alerting thresholds, PerfMon offers a proactive approach to capacity planning and resource optimization.

In addition to built-in options, third-party programs like HWMonitor and CPU-Z complement PerfMon with specialized features such as temperature tracking. However, PerfMon remains a primary choice for real-time metrics and historical data logging, balancing usability and comprehensive detail for managing CPU usage efficiently.

1. Open Performance Monitor by pressing Win + R, typing `perfmon`, and pressing Enter.
2. In the left panel, expand Data Collector Sets.
3. Right-click on User Defined and select New to create a custom data set.
4. Choose Create Manually (Advanced) and click Next.
5. Select Create Data Logs and ensure Performance Counters is checked.
6. Click Add Counters, expand Processor, and select the desired counters (e.g., % Processor Time).

   % Processor Time represents the percentage of elapsed time that the processor spends executing non-idle threads.

7. Set the Sample Interval to determine how frequently data is collected.
8. Specify the log file location and format.

   For long-term monitoring, choose a location with sufficient disk space to store performance logs.

9. Click Finish to complete the setup.
10. Start the data collection by right-clicking the data set and selecting Start.

    Data will now be collected in the background. You can stop or pause the collection at any time.

11. To monitor performance in real-time, click on Performance Monitor under Monitoring Tools.
12. Add a CPU counter by clicking the green plus button and selecting Processor counters.
13. Right-click your counter, select Properties, and configure performance thresholds if needed.

    Setting performance thresholds helps you monitor critical CPU usage and trigger alerts when it exceeds the desired limit.

14. To stop data collection, right-click the data set and select Stop.